De Oude Kraal is near Bloemfontein on a 6th generation Merino sheep farm, in the Free State, allowing you to experience the best of a country lifestyle. Every aspect of De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa – De Oude Kraal Fine Dining Restaurant; the Pamper Spa, the luxurious Garden rooms and suites as well as the Merino Standard Farm Rooms (Semi-self catering); the Wedding and Function Venue; Feast – the daily a la carte restaurant; De Skaap Kraal Shop and various Outdoor Activities – are inspired by a love for all things native to the Free State. We are located near Bloemfontein 35km south of Bloemfontein on the N1, exit 153, 6km off the N1.
De Oude Kraal restaurant is in the original farmhouse with four meter high ceilings and wooden floors built in 1885 by a German missionary named Saltzmann, and added to by Judge A.J. Smit (Marie’s grandfather). The separate dining rooms have open fireplaces and original antique furniture, some dating back to the early 1900’s. As you walk through the old house you get to admire Gerhard and Marie’s stunning art collection, collected over the years.
The four-course meal has become our principal meal, where the daily menu variations include a diversity of the season’s best foods. Marie and her team’s philosophy is that food must be prepared and presented with love.
“I have access to wonderful ingredients that arrive in our kitchen from different sources; bought at the fresh produce market by my daughter Marie-Louise, sourced at different suppliers or plainly from the local butcher. All the wonderful produce gets studied, smelled, touched, appreciated and respected before we start to transform them. Only then can they be approached with humility.” – Marie Lombard
Marie Lombard was born and raised on this 4th generation farm, and has formed a dedicated team from fourth generation farm workers. The team skilfully combine Free State farm style cooking with a touch of French flair to create a variety of meals, such as the buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, freshly baked goods as well as four-course gourmet dinner.
For more on Marie’s food philosophy read Marie’s Passion for Food.
De Oude Kraal’s new Feast restaurant is situated at our Function and Wedding Venue. It operates Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 16:00 near Bloemfontein.
Feast serves an Al-la-carte menu from Wednesday to Saturday.
Sundays we serve De Oude Kraal’s famous Buffet Lunches.
Our Spa facilities* were designed to give our guests different options for relaxation between their treatment breaks and to form a harmonious whole for de-stressing and enjoyment. Here they can choose between:
This is the perfect location for your most memorable day. You choose the ideal background for your Wedding function; whether a Marquee tent or open-air, surrounded by Wedding venue Bloemfontein nature.
This Bloemfontein wedding venue, offers gourmet catering and an award winning wine list. You will be delighted with the old-style warmth, hospitality and charm, combined with all the modern conveniences for the sophisticated guests.
An intimate gazebo, set in the garden, makes it easy to have both your wedding service and reception in one location.
Just a short drive away from the busy city to a bit of breathing space for brainstorming sessions or team building. Our stylish conference venue near Bloemfontein offers natural light, tucked away in lush surroundings and secluded privacy.
This function and conference venue means that groups are able to focus on the objective or task at hand, without any of the everyday interruptions of the workplace. Our well prepared venue is large enough to accommodate your business needs comfortably, with purposely arranged seating designed for maximum group discussions